Color anomalies can provide insight into the mechanisms of bird pigmentation. However, records of anomalous eye color in bird species are sparse in the literature. Here, we report 2 observations of Melanerpes carolinus (Red-bellied Woodpecker) in Florida with bright white irises. We examine possible explanations for this phenotype and conclude that a genetic mutation affecting pteridine pigmentation is a possible cause. We encourage researchers to document birds with aberrant eye coloration, which may lead to a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying eye color.
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9 August 2024
Aberrant White Eye Coloration in Two Red-Bellied Woodpeckers (Picidae: Melanerpes carolinus) from Florida
Eamon C. Corbett,
Nancy Kase,
Wendy C. Milstein,
Thomas Michel Ambiel
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Southeastern Naturalist
Vol. 23 • No. 3
September 2024
Vol. 23 • No. 3
September 2024